We’ve seen their fun family photos, and have heard a little bit about their Big Day plans. Now, we’re taking some time to really get to know our special 2021 MBD wedding couple - Eriq & Ashley. They have a fun and exciting love story, and we can’t wait to see it come full circle in September when they tie the knot on top of The Elizabeth Hotel in front of family and friends. We sent a series of questions to both Eriq & Ashley and here are some of their responses: How did you two meet? Eriq: Well we met on tinder. I was over tinder but decided to go back through my matches to see if I had missed anyone worthwhile, and there she was! She had orange hair in the pic, and orange is my fav color so I took it as a sign, lol. I hit her up, and we went on our 1st date at the now non-existent Enzios. We pretty much laughed the whole time, and hit it off pretty great, and agreed to more dates. I had to go to Tour de Fat the next day because- obviously - but she had her son Zep, so she couldn't make it. We snapchatted all day and it made her laugh, so that's cool. Ashley: We met on Tinder, and by the time that we set up a date I was almost finished with the tinder experience. We started our relationship on a last hope, lol. What was your first impression? Ashley: First impression was shock, because I actually finally liked the guy I was on a date with! I remember his amazing skin color and how nice his smile was. I could also carry a nice conversation with him, unlike my other Tinder dates.
Why do you love Ashley? Why do I love Ash....sheesh, how long do you want this to get?? I love Ash for who she is, what she's accomplished, and what she's capable of in the future. She's my person, my ultimate ride or die, and even though we can never ever ever play monopoly together, we make a really great team! Why do you love Eriq? I love Eriq because he is my other half. He will always have my back and will love me endlessly. He accepts me for who I am and loves me despite my flaws and weaknesses. What are your honeymoon plans? Eriq: Our honeymoon is kinda cliche. We plan on going to Greece or somewhere in the Mediterranean, and chill for about ten days or so. Ashley: Hopefully, if things go as planned, we will be spending our Honeymoon in Greece! But not before we celebrate Tour De Fat!! So excited to party the day after the wedding as well for one of the biggest events that Fort Collins hosts! Contact MBD Marketing & Events
Small Business. Big Impact. Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us We serve the entire Front Range; Denver, Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken
3. Order delivery or grab some takeout for a date night in Bring the restaurant date night to you. Order in delivery or takeout from your favorite romantic restaurant - even fancy steakhouses and seafood restaurants are offering takeout during the pandemic. If you want to go all out, recreate the restaurant atmosphere at home with tablecloths, your best plates and glassware, and some candles and flowers to set the mood. If you don’t live with your partner, you can still enjoy the meal together via video chat. You can even surprise your S.O. (significant other) with the romantic meal by ordering the food ahead of time to be delivered to them. Most restaurants with their own delivery system will offer this, as do Uber Eats’ share system and Grubhub. 4. Shop local gifts Show your partner and struggling local businesses some love this year by choosing unique gifts from a small shop in your area. If you’re worried about going inside, many small businesses are offering curbside pickup, and some have even set up online ordering with shipping. If you live in NoCo, check out MBD’s local-centric Valentine’s Day gifts Pinterest board: https://www.pinterest.com/MyBigDayEvents/valentines-day-gifts/ full of unique products from Loveland, Fort Collins, Windsor, and more. 5. Stream a virtual concert Virtual concerts are still happening - more than ever. If concerts are a favorite date night pastime for you, now you can recreate the music fan experience at home. You can now easily search Google for a list of upcoming virtual concerts. SongKick also has a great list you can bookmark: https://www.songkick.com/live-stream-concerts of live streaming concerts with times. Clear the living room for slow dancing (or a mosh pit, if that’s more your vibe), have an in-home concert “tailgate,” and have your favorite concert drinks on hand. 6. Make chocolate fondue Chocolate and romance go hand-in-hand, and nothing is more romantic than melted chocolate with fruit or sweets. You may not feel comfortable going to your favorite fondue restaurant this year, but you can bring the fondue experience home. You can buy a fondue pot online for as little as $15 these days, grab a box of strawberries, melt a bag of chocolate chips, and voilà.
8. Send Valentines through snail mail Maybe you’re in a long distance relationship, or maybe you just want to surprise your partner with a note or two left around the house. Either way, handwritten notes are a romantic tradition that go a long way in today’s world of text messages and Snapchats. Take your time writing (practice that cursive?) and, if you’re mailing your Valentine, use your nicest stationery or take some time to personalize what you have. Doodles or notes in the margins will make these keepsakes even more memorable, and you’ll love looking back on them together down the road. 9. Serve your loved one breakfast in bed Surprise breakfast in bed is basically never a bad idea, if you ask us. Sneak out of bed early to prepare your loved one’s favorite meal (pizza is fine for breakfast, by the way) and surprise them with it. Alternatively, cook breakfast together, then head back to bed to enjoy your culinary creations and spend the day being couch bed potatoes. 10. Connect virtually If you can’t be together this Valentine’s Day, carve out some time to connect virtually. Phone calls, video calls, and virtual activities like an online class or Netflix movie party are an easy way to show someone you’re thinking of them. Other ideas include eating a meal or sharing a glass of wine “together,” live streaming the same concert, or solving a virtual escape room. 11. Get outdoors together Coloradoans are known for our love of the outdoors, so take to one of your local trails or head up to the mountains with your partner for a romantic outing in nature. Hold hands, have intimate conversations, take in the scenery, practice teamwork, and boost your health all in one date. Contact MBD Marketing & Events
Small Business. Big Impact. Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us We serve the entire Front Range; Denver, Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken We are happy to announce that the Annual Valentine's Day Wedding & Vow Renewal Ceremony will take place again in 2021! This annual celebration of love has natural built in social distancing. With a new location, we can ensure elevated safety and health for our guests. Location: We are proud to have Chapungu Park as our wedding location for 2021. The Centerra Metro District and Chappungu Sculpture Park at Centerra are sponsoring and covering the park rental fee to host the wedding this year. Tickets are now available for the 2021 Wedding & Vow Renewal Ceremony. Due to group size limitations, we are capping both ceremonies. Register soon! http://www.valentinesdayinloveland.com/tickets.html Get Married or Renew Your Vows
in the Sweetheart City: LOVELAND, CO Loveland's Annual Valentine's Day Group Wedding Sunday, February 14th, 2021 Chapungu Sculpture Park, Centerra, Loveland CO Ceremony Times: 4pm and 5pm * Officiated by Todd Harding Christmas isn’t just for gathering with friends and family to celebrate the season - it’s also a beautiful time to plan a winter wedding! A December/Christmas inspired wedding is the perfect opportunity to not only celebrate your love, but to also throw the best holiday party ever! We’ve curated a list of some holiday inspired wedding tips and ideas that will surely get you and your guests into the seasonal spirit, and elevate your event beyond the typical holiday celebration!
When you create your invitation suite, make sure you include the following: Invitation for event, directions, response cards & envelopes, inner envelope, mailing envelope, and plenty of postage. You might also consider adding a special reception card, local highlights information, and suggestions for accommodations for out of town guests. Ceremony & Reception Decor Greenery and red poinsettias are natural choices for Christmas wedding decor (hello, every Hallmark Christmas movie!). You can certainly get creative with how you use these elements. Use greenery garlands to outline reception areas, set up vignettes around white-lighted Christmas trees, include layers of red and white poinsettias as a backdrop for your ceremony. The possibilities are endless. You don’t have to settle for a red and green color palette, either. How about deep navy and silver? White twinkle lights and gold? All of these options are holiday inspired! Bouquets & Boutonnieres There are so many extra touches that you can add to a holiday bridal bouquet and boutonniere! Pinecones are a fun and wintry addition to any Christmas-inspired bouquet. Berries and pine sprigs are also easy festive elements to incorporate. Did you know, according to ancient folklore, the Druids regarded holly as a sacred plant and believed it had magical powers of protection? Definitely consider adding some holly to your floral arrangements for good luck! Jingle Bells! With a holiday wedding you can capitalize on both Jingle Bells and Wedding Bells! Hand out small bells for guests to ring after the ceremony instead of birdseed or bubbles. Guests can also ring their bells when they want a kiss from the bride and groom during the reception, instead of using their silverware on china to call for this tradition. Serve festive cocktails. You can expand the typical bar with holiday flavors including eggnog, peppermint, and cranberry. Holiday drinks often look fancy with extra flourishes and flair - perfect for a fancy wedding reception! Incorporate holiday inspired guest favors. Guests will be excited to receive a memento that they will actually want to keep! Engraved holiday ornaments with your wedding date, or their names carved or written on a themed ornament will remind your guests of your special day for years to come! You can also send your guests home with tasty treats too! Holiday cookies, gold wrapped chocolates, or even packaged homemade eggnog will surely be hits! Hot Cocoa and Cookies - Santa’s favorite! Why not consider offering a hot cocoa bar in addition to the spirits you serve? Perhaps include a wide offering of Christmas and Holiday cookies for dessert instead of the traditional wedding cake or cupcakes? You’re guests will enjoy making their own hot cocoa concoctions and dunking their favorite holiday cookies in them for fun! Think Texture. There are so many different textures that you can incorporate into your clothing, decor, and venue to inspire holiday magic. Velvet dresses and accessories for brides and bridesmaids, plaids and cording for grooms and groomsmen, gold and silver accents, wood and greenery, snow and ice…...all special holiday touches. Create a cozy atmosphere. Cozy fires, twinkle lights, candles, and scents of the season, will be an inviting touch for your guests. Create intimacy by utilizing non traditional seating arrangements for dinner - family style serving, seating in groups, long tables, couches and overstuffed chairs by fireplaces. Contact MBD Marketing & Events Small Business. Big Impact. Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us We serve the entire Front Range; Denver, Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken You may have friends or family members – dubbed “COVID Couples’ – who have had to postpone or cancel their weddings because of the pandemic. For most couples, this is a difficult decision to make, and may bring up feelings of sadness, anger, or even loss. Here are some ways to support the special people in your life whose weddings have been affected by COVID – and some things to avoid. DO: 1. Send a surprise gift on their original wedding day. This is likely to be the most difficult day for the couple. Consider sending flowers, sweets, or a gift card for a takeout date night with a note saying you are thinking of them. If you’re on a budget, stick with a handwritten note dropped at their doorstep or surprise them with FaceTime or a phone call. Don’t forget about the groom! 2. Listen. Be a shoulder to cry on for your friends and family. Venting can be a therapeutic way to deal with negative emotions from having to postpone or cancel their wedding. Be open and understanding, but not dismissive or overly positive. 3. Contact vendors. A lot goes in to planning a wedding. If your couple has hired a wedding planner, they can help with reaching out to the vendors the couple has chosen. If not, consider the numerous contracts with the florist, photographer, caterer, cake decorator, venue, DJ, furniture rentals, day-of coordinator, and many more that may exist. Depending on the vendor and the wording of each contract, meetings with vendors may involve renegotiating the contract, maintaining it but postponing the date, or asking for a partial refund. 4. Give them resources. There are many couples in the same boat, and many community and support groups online. The Zola Facebook Community has almost 12,000 members in the throes of pandemic wedding planning. For more local advice, check out Colorado COVID-19 Wedding Support. 5. Deal with guests. Offer to help contact guests to notify them of changes to the event. This could involve a formal, mailed update, or an email or text if the wedding was scheduled for just a few weeks away. Be sure to introduce yourself to the couple’s family and friends if making calls or sending texts on their behalf. You can also help answer guests’ follow-up questions about reservations they had for the wedding or the timing of the rescheduled event (if there is one). DON’T: 1. Give opinions or advice unless it is solicited by the couple. It is complicated and confusing trying to reschedule a large event with many moving parts, never mind with unwarranted opinions thrown into the mix. Give advice only if you are asked to by the couple. 2. Be overly positive or dismissive. Saying, “It’s going to be fine,” may not go over well. Things may not be okay for your friends or family members, and they don’t have to be. Try saying, “I’m sorry. I wish things were different,” or “I can’t imagine what you’re going through, but I’m here for you.” 3. Expect to be able to fix it. As a friend or family member, the best you can do is listen and offer help or advice if it’s requested. Do not try to fix their feelings or the situation. Contact My Big Day Marketing & Events
Small Business. Big Impact. Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us We serve the entire Front Range; Denver, Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken My Big Day was honored to be responsible that this special day went off without a hitch during a time when everything is uncertain! Bryan & Cynthia had a beautiful COVID friendly backyard reception! With a private mountain ceremony at Sprauge Lake, and a carefully crafted socially distant reception plan, they were able to celebrate just as they wanted - with close family & friends and with all of the important traditions couples dream of.... plus sanitizer and face masks! Wedding Professionals: Event Planners: My Big Day Officiant: Todd Harding Ceremony: Spraug Lake, Estes Park Reception: Backyard reception in Loveland DJ: Suit & Tie DJs Event Rentals: Flexx Productions Cake: Colorado Rose Florals: Finishing Touches Photographer: Visual Poetry by Meghan Catering: Catering to You by James Contact My Big Day Marketing & Events
Small Business. Big Impact. Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us We serve the entire Front Range; Denver, Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken While the physical toll of this pandemic has been highly publicized and studied, we are just beginning to understand the social and emotional effects of this pandemic. Isolation and social distancing, while proven to help limit the spread of the virus, can also have long-term effects on individuals and society alike. One of the most visible social effects of this pandemic is the cancellation of many important milestone celebrations. This has been an issue that is at the forefront of our industry, but it has been felt far beyond. Milestones and events like weddings, graduations, anniversaries, birthdays, and funerals have all been impacted. Why celebrating and acknowledging milestones is important: Celebrating milestones is how we as a society commemorate the progression of life. These celebrations serve as a connection - with family and friends and beyond. Missing these events can prove to be more than disappointing - they can affect emotional and social development milestones as well, especially in children and youth. While one benefit of social distancing is more dedicated time with family, we miss out on the connections with others that contribute to our development and emotional well-being. Important milestones are visual and experiential representations of growth. Without them, we miss opportunities for growth. Practical solutions: Cancelling important events and milestones can be hard to process - not just for children and youth, but for everyone involved. Milestones are typically “once-in-a-lifetime” events. Processing the disappointment of losing these moments is extremely difficult. Some strategies that might help ease the pain of these missed milestones are:
Ideas and recommendations for celebrating during Covid: As experts in the event planning industry, we have been tasked with coming up with creative solutions for celebrating milestones during these unprecedented times. We have developed and discovered ways in which our clients can safely celebrate life’s most important events. Here are just a few examples of alternative celebration opportunities: Birthdays We’ve already highlighted a variety of ways in which you can help someone feel special on their covid birthday. Our blog “10 COVID-Safe Ways to Make Your Child’s Birthday Special” is full of great ideas that can be adapted to celebrate someone at any age! Graduations Graduations bring a feeling of pride for both graduates and their families. Cancelled graduation ceremonies are difficult to replace, but there are some alternative options that will still allow you to celebrate these great accomplishments!
Weddings If Covid has forced you to postpone your dream wedding and reception, why not consider the following as an alternative?
Anniversaries While anniversaries tend to be celebrated by just the couple alone, COVID restrictions can still make planning a fitting celebration difficult. There are a ton of special date night options that can be planned to mark this milestone, but here are a few ideas that go beyond ordering in dinner and a movie:
Funerals Funerals might just be the most difficult event to miss. Families and friends often need the closure and social support that a funeral provides. Social distancing guidelines and the nature of a funeral make it even more difficult to plan. While postponing may be a viable option, some families might not want to delay or prolong this part of the grieving process.
Social Entertainment Just because you can’t frequent your favorite bar or restaurant together, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some fun together while keeping safely apart!
When it comes to celebrating missed milestones, creativity provides limitless possibility. While we know that nothing will ever bring back the actual missed opportunities of these special moments, planning to intentionally acknowledge them is a good practice to adopt. Everyone deserves to celebrate these special times. If you would like help in planning a virtual milestone celebration, please reach out to our talented team of event planners and memory makers. We can help you plan an event that you and your family and friends will remember forever. Contact My Big Day Marketing & Events Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us We serve the entire Front Range; Denver, Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken Many couples – including some of our My Big Day couples – are opting to elope rather than postpone or cancel weddings due to Covid-19. We did the work and searched lists of unique elopement locations in Colorado and Wyoming – here are our top 5 picks for each state.
2. Maroon Bells (Aspen) – These incredible mountains are Colorado’s most photographed spot. What to know: You must reserve the amphitheater for a $200 fee to have your ceremony at the Bells. Slots are released a year in advance, and regular Bells guests are still allowed to visit the site, so weekdays are your best bet. Plan for afternoon thunderstorms in the summer. If you want fall colors, aim for September. Consider going early for stunning sunrise ceremony photos and no tourists photobombing your wedding. If you have urgent questions about your wedding or conditions at the Bells, you’ll need to call the ranger station. 3. Denver Botanic Gardens at York Street (Denver) – The gardens offer a wide range of backdrops, from water and rose gardens to greenhouses. Another perk: The downtown Denver location makes this a convenient site for couples. What to know: Fees vary by location in the gardens, and it can be pricey, but you will save on travel fees from your florist, photographer, and officiant. You can bring your own alcohol for an intimate couples’ champagne toast. Click HERE to submit an inquiry. 4. Pikes Peak (Colorado Springs) – This scenic mountaintop offers a view all the way to Kansas on clear days. What to know: No need to hike – weather permitting, you can drive to the top of Pikes Peak. No permits and no fees, but keep in mind that tourists can come and go throughout your ceremony and no décor is allowed. 5. Guanella Pass (Georgetown) – A valley with breathtaking blue-green hills and water features. This is a fantastic backdrop for moody photos that are even more stunning during cloudy summer afternoons. What to know: No permits, no fees, no reservations. Wyoming 1. St. Alban’s Chapel (Centennial) – Historic, open-air chapel surrounded by beautiful scenery, including a lake. What to know: The chapel is usually accessible only in the late summer. It must be reserved for a small fee through St. Matthew’s Cathedral. Despite being called a chapel, the structure is very old and not quite a building, so there are no restrooms. You will not be allowed to decorate the structure because of its age, but you won’t need to! 2. Lake Marie (Medicine Bow National Forest) – A beautiful, green-blue lake with a snowy mountain backdrop. What to know: This location is drive-up friendly, but only accessible during the late summer when Highway 130 is open. Click HERE to see whether the area is currently open. No permits, no fees, no guaranteed reservations. 3. Schwabacher Landing (Grand Teton National Park) – A spectacular viewpoint on Snake River with easy access to the water and reflections of the majestic Teton Mountains. What to know: Snowy spring and winter weather can make the gravel road impassable, so plan for a summer or fall ceremony. Bring your camera for wildlife sightings. No permits, no fees, no guaranteed reservations and no decorations allowed. Note that the area is popular with fishermen and tourists snapping photos. 4. The Wedding Tree (Jackson Hole) – Aptly named, the tree provides a natural arch to get married under with a view of the Grand Tetons in the background. What to know: You will need to take a trail from the parking lot (about 5 minutes), and then get off the trail to access the tree, so carry your heels and put them on at the tree. Camping is no longer allowed. A permit is required; contact the Bridger-Teton National Forest Office at (307) 739-5500. Aim for a fall or summer event so the roads aren’t snowed out. 5. Albany County Courthouse (Laramie) – If the wilderness isn’t your style, consider getting married at the Albany County Courthouse in Laramie and taking photos in front of the picturesque building. What to know: You will need to make your own arrangements for an officiant. If you would like to get married in the courthouse, there are several judges who perform marriage ceremonies, or you may bring your own ordained minister; contact information can be found HERE. As with any wedding in Wyoming, a marriage license is required prior to the ceremony. Ceremony fees vary by officiant. Same-sex marriages are allowed under Wyoming law. You don’t have to cancel your wedding if you were planning to get married this year. We believe the only ingredients required for a wedding are two people who want to spend their lives together. Contact us at mybigdayevents@outlook.com for help planning your elopement or micro-wedding! Contact My Big Day Marketing & Events Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us As event planners, we serve the entire Front Range; Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken Congratulations, you’re engaged! Now what? Before you dive head-first into wedding planning, here are some of My Big Day’s to-dos immediately after you get engaged.
5. Discuss engagement length – Make sure you and your fiancé are on the same page about the length of your engagement and the timing of your wedding. For some people, a few months sounds just right. Others wouldn’t dream of an engagement lasting less than two years. You don’t have to pick a date yet, but make sure you and your future spouse’s priorities and timelines are in harmony. 6. Spend time together, alone – Celebrating your engagement can be great fun, but it can also be an overwhelming time that invites everyone’s opinions and advice – whether you ask for it or not. Take some time as a couple to have some fun dates and relax before throwing yourselves into wedding planning. 7. Brainstorm themes, budget, and guest list – Before you really start planning, have some casual conversations about your future wedding. Will it be an elopement, or a blowout event with 500 guests? Do you want to spend your savings on the wedding of your dreams, or would you rather have a small event and save the money for a honeymoon or down payment? 8. Hire a planner! – If we didn’t already help you plan your ideal engagement party, then this is where we come in. We offer packages tailored to large weddings or small weddings, full-service or day-of only, and everything in-between. Learn more about My Big Day’s wedding packages HERE. Contact My Big Day Marketing & Events Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us As event planners, we serve the entire Front Range; Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken |
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